The Best COPD Blogs of the Year

Written by Kristeen Cherney | Winners selected by Tracy RosecransMedically Reviewed on May 6, 2014 by George T. Krucik, MD, MBA

1 of

Best COPD Blogs of 2014

Best COPD Blogs of 2014

Chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) comes in many forms. It includes both
emphysema and frequent bronchitis. This disease is the third most common cause
of death in the United States, according to the American Lung Association.

There is no
cure for COPD, so maintaining a good quality of life depends on finding the
right treatment. Learning about COPD is just one step toward initiating
important conversations with your doctor.

Read the best COPD blogs to gain
insightful information to help you get these discussions going.

COPD Foundation Blog

COPD Foundation Blog

The COPD
Foundation has been a leader in patient advocacy for the last decade. They have
even worked with the government to promote better detection and care. The COPD
Foundation Blog
discusses prominent health issues for current COPD patients and their families.

The
blog, written by health experts, is informative yet personal. It covers issues
such as the potential long-term consequences of the newly popular e-cigarette.
And it offers opportunities to ask questions from the “COPD Coach.”

About.com’s COPD

About.com’s COPD

About.com’s COPD page provides everything you need to
know about the disease. Deborah Leader, a registered nurse who specializes in
the management of chronic breathing conditions, breaks down all of the
information into easy-to-read articles.

Here
Leader discusses treatment measures, including the potential benefits of diet
and supplements, and COPD risk factors, such as smoking and poor air quality. The
COPD page is also helpful for loved ones of patients looking for solutions
concerning travel and end-of-life issues.

COPD International Blog

COPD International Blog

Obtaining the
latest news about COPD is just as important as learning about the basics. This
is where the COPD
International Blog
can help. COPD treatment is always evolving. This blog’s goal is to make sure
readers have the latest facts at hand.

Learn
about topics like the importance of exercise and health care coverage. Throughout
all of the information, COPD
International Blog maintains a positive tone and asserts that “COPD
is not a death sentence.”

COPD from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

COPD from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a
government-funded organization dedicated to research and public information on
diseases like COPD. The COPD page from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute covers comprehensive facts about the condition,
as well as tips for getting diagnosed. There are links for volunteer
opportunities within the “Breathe Better Network” and the “Country Conquers
COPD” sections if you want hands-on involvement in fighting the disease. The
organization is heavily involved in National COPD Awareness Month every
November, so be sure to check out information about related events on the blog.

Drive 4 COPD

Drive 4 COPD

Drive 4 COPD
is a public health initiative created by the COPD Foundation. Most people don’t
know they have the disease, which makes early treatment challenging. Here you
can take a short quiz to detect possible risk factors and symptoms.

While
this blog strives to promote early COPD detection, it’s also a community for
patients and their loved ones. COPD can make everyday activities difficult,
which may become isolating. Having a community like Drive 4 COPD can help lift
your spirits while connecting you with others battling similar challenges.

Breathing Better, Living Well

Breathing Better, Living Well

No matter
what form of COPD you have, breathing difficulties are prevalent. Lung
irritants like smoke and chemicals can lead to COPD and breathing problems.
Eventually, this can make exercise and other activities seem impossible.

The
mission of Breathing Better, Living
Well is to promote easier breathing for a better
life. This blog is dedicated to all types of chronic lung diseases. Get a
checklist of steps to take after a diagnosis, tips for quitting smoking, and
stories from other COPD patients who have chosen not to give up.

Health Central

Health Central

Health Central is a community of medical topics
discussed by patients and experts, including those related to COPD. On this
page, doctors and other medical experts discuss COPD medications and other
treatment measures in depth.

Easy
navigation allows for access to information on COPD news, as well as links to
local physicians. Health Central also offers a free quiz for potential patients
to prompt immediate medical care.

Wellsphere’s COPD and Emphysema Community

Wellsphere’s COPD and Emphysema Community

Early
detection and treatment are just as important as finding COPD comrades. Don’t
fight this disease alone. Wellsphere’s COPD and Emphysema
Community takes the
time and effort out of connecting with other patients. You can share and read
other personal stories, and even ask questions of the community.

Blog
articles convey a variety of COPD information, including favorite recipes,
personal care, and device reviews. You can even sign up and search for people
within the community and reach out via social media.

Respiratory Therapy Cave

Respiratory Therapy Cave

Being
diagnosed with COPD doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the humorous side of life. Respiratory Therapy Cave was created with the mission to cause
you to lose your breath—from laughing too hard. The blog provides accurate
information about respiratory therapy and related topics with unrivaled wit.

Topics
include inhalers, mesothelioma, and the understated consequences of smoking.
And each day carries a specific theme. For example, Mondays are dedicated to
answering community questions on respiratory therapy.

COPD Connect

COPD Connect

COPD Connect is dedicated to creating a community
forum for patients seeking answers and advice. The blog features news articles
primarily focused on smoking, because cigarette smoke is the most prevalent
cause of COPD.

COPD
Connect features a discussion board so you can sound off on any issue you like.
Be sure to check out “Living with COPD,” where you’ll gain helpful treatment
information from physicians. Support and insight from other patients in your
shoes can help you travel the road of uncertainty.

COPD Digest

COPD Digest

COPD Digest is another initiative from the COPD
Foundation. It’s a free online magazine that’s also available in print format.
Each quarterly issue features the latest COPD news and highlights patient
challenges.

COPD Digest has a series called “Faces
of COPD,” which includes inspirational profiles of people overcoming seemingly
unbeatable obstacles. There’s also a link for easy access to the Foundation’s
main blog
for daily updates on everything you need to know about COPD.

Living with COPD

Living with COPD

Derek
Cummings is a patient with stage 4 COPD, the most severe form of the disease. This
stage is considered “very severe” because it’s disabling. In his blog, Living with COPD, he describes how he overcomes lack of
mobility and still manages to enjoy life’s simplest gifts.

At
stage 4, Cummings’ outlook might seem grim, but he keeps a positive tone to
encourage other COPD patients to keep going. He closes every post with the
simple mantra: “Breathe easy.”

Dealing with COPD

Dealing with COPD

Dealing with COPD is
a personal blog by Bill Hamilton. A self-proclaimed “Santa look-alike,”
Hamilton’s goal is to share his personal struggles with COPD in a personal,
positive tone. He discloses information about his vitals, advice given by
doctors, as well as related topics in between his detailed weekly updates.

COPD Athlete

COPD Athlete

Russell Winwood had a stroke at age 36, but he changed his
habits drastically to get in shape and reclaim his health. He began to take
part in triathlons and became an athlete. But in 2011, he was diagnosed with
COPD due to chronic lung infections. Refusing to give up and determined to stay
active and engaged, Russell continues to race despite stage 4 COPD.

His blog, COPD Athlete, includes details on
races throughout Australia and tales of training challenges. It also raises
awareness for organ and tissue donation.

Detecting COPD Early

Detecting COPD Early

The American Lung Association estimates that 12 million Americans
have a diagnosis of COPD. An additional 12 million more may unknowingly have
the disease. COPD can be found early, but immediate treatment must follow.

COPD
awareness and education can help lead to a diagnosis. Learning more about the
condition and knowing that you’re not alone in the fight against COPD is a
great first step in getting your condition under control.

Cigarette smoking is the number-one cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). COPD refers to two main conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Healthline’s mission is to make the people of the world healthier through the power of information. We do this by creating quality health information that is authoritative, approachable, and actionable.

Join more than 30 million monthly visitors like you and let Healthline be your guide to better health.